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They say good things come in small packages, and in North Carolina, this is most certainly the case. Some of the smallest towns in North Carolina can make the biggest impressions, often tucked between mountains, marshes, or windswept barrier islands.
Since we moved to North Carolina, we’ve discovered so many small towns that wear their personalities proudly on their sleeve – most are a little quirky, deeply rooted in community, and refreshingly unpolished. Their populations may be less than 2,000 people, but they all seem to have a unique side hustle or a strong opinion – and plenty of time to talk about both.
If you’re looking to get off the main tourist trail, hit the back roads, and discover some of the quaintest and yet most inspiring towns, these are the destinations to pin. From artsy mountain hamlets to riverfront mill towns to coastal villages, these small towns punch well above their weight.
Come for a festival, a café, or just to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and you’ll leave with a sense of community, peace, and a newfound love for the simpler things in life. Because in North Carolina, small doesn’t mean sleepy.
1. Brevard
- Population: 7,973 (2024)
- Size: 5.36 sq mi (13.88 km2)
Nestled at the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest in a county aptly nicknamed “Land of Waterfalls”, Brevard is a small town that’s abundant in quiet forests, hiking trails, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as small town charm.
Though people come for the nature, people stay for the community. The streets are dotted with art galleries, boutique shops, cozy cafés, and artisan bakeries, with buskers standing on corners on weekends – probably students at the renowned Brevard Music Center.
What really makes Brevard a small town with big charm, however, is its annual festivals and traditions. The annual Brevard Music Center Summer Festival from June to mid-August and Mountain Song Festival in September draw thousands to witness world-class musicians taking the stage, while events like the White Squirrel Weekend Festival (yes, Brevard has white-colored squirrels) celebrate the town’s quirky side.
Year-round, Brevard has a thriving arts scene with a Fourth Friday event and an up-and-coming craft beer scene. Be sure to visit The Hub and Pisgah Tavern, a bike shop and beer garden that sells craft beer from local breweries.
2. Edenton
- Population: 4,492 (2024)
- Size: 5.57 sq mi (14.43 km2)
The historic waterfront town of Edenton may be quaint with beautifully preserved homes, a scenic harbor overlooking the Albemarle Sound, and a peaceful downtown that feels like stepping back in time, but it is far from sleepy.
Edenton is the First Colonial Capital of North Carolina, and is steeped in history and historic landmarks. Full of cobblestone streets, 18th-century homes, and quaint shops in the waterfront shopping district, the main reason to come to Edenton is for the history and coastal setting, but many people soon learn to stay for its vibe.
Being a small and close-knit community, Edenton has learned to create its own fun. Throughout the year, cultural and community events and festivals turn this quiet haven into a lively hubbub of activity. In October, the annual Edenton Tea Party Festival celebrates the town’s Revolutionary roots with parades, reenactments, and family-friendly activities, while events like the Edenton Bay Seafood Festival bring the region’s coastal delicacy to the plate.
Whether it’s attending a farmer’s market or a trivia night in a downtown wine shop, Edenton’s events calendar is packed all year round.
3. Beaufort
- Population: 4,895 (2024)
- Size: 7.84 sq mi (20.31 km2)
One of our favorite coastal towns is the charming historic town of Beaufort on NC’s Crystal Coast. This small and relaxed town is brimming with historic architecture and relaxed vibes, earning it the title of one of the “Best Small Towns in America” for adventure by USA Today.
Beaufort may have a population of just under 5,000, but it brims with character and history, most notably being the place where the infamous pirate, Blackbeard, once stayed.
Its quaint shops, cozy cafés, seafood restaurants, and art galleries make wandering the town a pleasure, or if you love the outdoors, you can kayak across the sound to Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve for a glimpse of wild horses, or cross over to Fort Macon State Park for a hike.
Whether you want chilled out days sitting on porches with a good book or you want to get out and explore the town’s maritime and pirate heritage, Beaufort has so much to offer.
Read more: Fun Things to do in Beaufort, NC: a Pirate Town of Many Treasures and here is 36 hours in Beaufort itinerary guide.
4. Hillsborough
- Population: 9,773 (2024)
- Size: 5.66 sq mi (14.67 km2)
The quaint river town of Hillsborough has seen a boom in residents over recent years, but it still remains sparsely populated with fewer than 10,000 people. What’s attracted people to Hillsborough is its historic tree-lined downtown filled with historic colonial buildings that contain boutique shops and family-owned eateries, as well as its thriving arts scene.
Hillsborough’s connection to art is what makes it a small town with a big personality. In downtown, the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts displays works by 21 local artists, and The Eno Arts Mill is a multi-purpose space where artists work. There’s a Last Friday and Art Walk event hosted by The Hillsborough Arts Council, which features gallery exhibitions, poetry readings, and more throughout March – October, and the annual Handmade Parade in April transforms the town into a lively celebration of creativity.
No matter what time of year you visit, art is everywhere in Hillsborough, making it one of the most charming and creative small towns in North Carolina.
The small town itself is charming and community-driven, but it’s also surrounded by natural beauty. On its doorstep is the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, a stunning woodland with miles of hiking trails (some of which are on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail), and Eno River State Park, known for its rivers and waterfalls on the Eno River, where you can fish or kayak.
5. Swansboro
- Population: 4,165 (2024)
- Size: 2.38 sq mi (6.16 km2)
Nicknamed “The Friendly City by the Sea,” Swansboro is a laid-back coastal gem with a beautiful waterfront, local shops, and access to beaches and nature. Since it’s surrounded by water, people come here for the abundance of water sports you can enjoy, from kayaking or standup paddleboarding the Intracoastal Waterway or water skiing along the White Oak River, or swimming from the beaches rolling into the Bogue Inlet – water lovers will love Swansboro.
The town itself pairs historic streets and waterfront views with a relaxed, small-town energy. Think quaint boutique shops, cozy cafés, and independent art galleries; there’s no shortage of options to spend your days meandering around, finding bargains, and unique finds.
Although less than 5,000 residents, this community goes big throughout the year with annual festivities. Some of the most notable annual festivals in Swansboro are Pirate Fest, held in May, Mullet Festival, held in October, and, of course, Independence Day and Christmas are big events to celebrate here.
With lively festivals and year-round adventures to be had, Swansboro may be small in size, but what it offers is far from small-scale.
6. Oriental
- Population: 903 (2024)
- Size: 1.64 sq mi (4.26 km2)
Oriental is a tiny town with fewer than a thousand residents, but it’s known as the “Sailing Capital of North Carolina.” In fact, there are more boats here than there are people, with approximately 3,000 boats residing in the marinas here.
This waterfront village on the Pamlico Sound punches well above its weight in charm and nautical vibes, with a surprisingly lively cultural scene. Despite the influx of boaters, Oriental maintains a laid-back vibe. It has a small downtown with a few art galleries, a history museum, and sea-to-table restaurants, but the biggest draw here is definitely the water.
Sailers and anglers are as much a part of the town as its historic homes. Seemingly every home has a dock, so you won’t have a hard time finding a spot to cast a line to catch some flounder or tarpon.
Oriental also has lively festivals that celebrate its deep connection to the water. The annual Oriental Cup Regatta in November and The Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival in October bring the town to life with sailing competitions, live music, and local food, making it a year-round destination for those seeking charm, boating, and a touch of coastal adventure.
7. Mount Airy
- Population: 10,583 (2024)
- Size: 11.86 sq mi (30.73 km2)
The real-life inspiration for Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show, and the home of Andy Griffith, Mount Airy is not just a small town filled with nostalgic charm, but has also garnered status as an All-American City in 1994.
This town has really leaned into the Andy Griffith theme, opening retro diners and kitschy Americana restaurants, as well as hosting the famous Mayberry Days, a week-long festival featuring a parade, live music, checkers tournaments, and appearances by the Andy Griffith Show cast members.
Aside from the Andy Griffith connection, Mount Airy is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and is packed with Appalachian mountain vibes. Its downtown streets are lined with vintage shops and locally owned cafés, all filled with hometown pride that makes you want to stay a while.
Come for the nostalgia, but stay for the authentic community spirit, scenic foothills, and quirky character.
8. Little Switzerland
- Population: 94 (2023)
- Size: doesn’t have officially defined geographic boundaries
The tiny mountain village of Little Switzerland is one of the most unique towns that look like Europe in North Carolina, offering postcard-perfect mountain views, a handful of boutique shops, and close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it a serene and scenic stop on this iconic NC road trip.
Little Switzerland is an unincorporated community that was founded in 1910 and built to look like a Swiss alpine village. It has a population of less than a hundred, but this tiny mountain village looms large in charm and character.
Known for sweeping mountain views and crisp air, this town receives hundreds of visitors each day but doesn’t lose its charm – inviting you to slow down, shop for unique finds and locally crafted art, enjoy a plate of home-cooked smoked trout or a cooked-to-perfection barbecue, before settling in for the night at one of the three historic, family-run inns.
What makes Little Switzerland unique is its enchanting European vibes, largely thanks to the village’s historic lodges, which make the town’s personality as big as the mountain vistas surrounding it.
9. Blowing Rock
- Population: 1,336 (2026)
- Size: 3.29 sq mi (8.51 km2)
Another classic town in the Blue Ridge with stunning overlooks, eclectic shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions like Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock is a High Country town that radiates personality far beyond its size.
Perched on the Blue Ridge escarpment, Blowing Rock has breathtaking mountain views, quaint streets lined with boutique shops, and cozy cafés, giving it a small-town scale that makes it easy to explore on foot, yet the energy of its art and dining scene makes it feel anything but quiet.
The annual Art in the Park festival and the Concerts in the Park showcase local talent and creativity, while seasonal events like the Blowing Rock Winterfest bring the community together with lights, music, and holiday cheer.
Read more: Fun Things to Do in Boone, NC: A Perfect Mountain Getaway
10. Hendersonville
- Population: 15,656 (2024)
- Size: 7.44 sq mi (19.28 km2)
Often called the “Apple Capital of North Carolina,” Hendersonville is one of the best foodie destinations in NC and combines scenic beauty with a vibrant downtown full of shops, cafés, and seasonal festivals.
Hendersonville sits in the Blue Ridge foothills, just south of Asheville, and has tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a downtown packed with boutiques, galleries, and cafés that may be small in size but have been amplified by the local hospitality and the connection to the surrounding orchards.
Although it has a small population of around 15,000, the annual North Carolina Apple Festival attracts more than 250,000 visitors, making it one of the region’s largest Labor Day weekend events! Each year, Main Street turns into a lively showcase of crafts, music, and, of course, local apples.
As well as its lively events and even livelier locals, Hendersonville is also surrounded by scenic hiking trails, local farms, and picnic spots, showing that small-town size doesn’t mean small-time fun.
11. Saluda
- Population: 653 (2024)
- Size: 1.56 sq mi (4.03 km2)
Saluda is a Victorian-era rail town with artsy vibes, with a population of just a few hundred, but even though this tiny mountain town has few people, it leaves a big impression. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Saluda is known for its narrow streets and Victorian-era homes that give it a storybook quality.
While the town itself is small and sleepy, it’s surrounded by forests filled with hiking trails, waterfalls, and the iconic Gorge Zipline, which makes it a magnet for outdoor lovers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
When it comes to annual events, the Saluda Arts Festival in May draws thousands of people to celebrate the region’s local artisans, crafters, and musicians. Spring Green Bash is another big event in May with live music and community spirit that draws people to Saluda, and it also goes all out at Christmas.
Saluda’s size may be modest, but its community energy makes it a destination worth stopping for, not just passing through.
12. Laurinburg
- Population: 15,130 (2024)
- Size: 12.71 sq mi (32.91 km2)
A historic town with Scottish heritage and a three-time All-America City, Laurinburg sits in the Sandhills of NC and offers a mix of historic architecture, local shops, and community-centered cafés. It’s one of those towns where you roll up, and you think, “ah yes, this is authentic North Carolina at its finest.” Community spirit, farm-to-table dining, and unique community traditions.
Its Scottish heritage is not the only thing that Laurinburg is known for; it’s also known for its festivals, such as the annual Scotland County Highland Games, which is well worth visiting Laurinburg for in October. Not only is it a chance to celebrate the town’s Scottish heritage with music, dancing, and athletic competitions, but it also showcases the town’s proud sense of history and culture. Other notable events throughout the year are the John Blue Cotton Festival, Relay for Life, and Christmas on Main.
In Laurinburg, there’s no small amount of warmth, charm, and distinctive character to witness.
13. Lexington
- Population: 19,904 (2024)
- Size: 19.22 sq mi (49.78 km2)
Lexington is world-famous for its barbecue scene and lively atmosphere, especially in the fall season. This Piedmont town is known as the Barbecue Capital of North Carolina and has a culture that’s served with a side of Southern pride.
Lexington’s streets are lined with iconic pitmasters’ restaurants, cozy diners, cafes, and boutique shops. Its small-town scale makes it easy to stroll around and soak in the genuine warmth of the community.
Of course, the annual Lexington Barbecue Festival is the main event of the year, drawing in tens of thousands of visitors each fall. This town’s culinary heritage and the emphasis it places on it are one of the main reasons why it’s a small town with a big personality.
14. Bath
- Population: 241 (2024)
- Size: 0.92 sq mi (2.37 km2)
Bath is known as NC’s oldest town, and is rich in colonial history and coastal charm. Although the first port of entry, it has just over 200 residents, but this tiny town carries a personality far larger than its size.
Bath has a charming vibe, with cobblestone streets, colonial-era homes, and a waterfront that feels frozen in time. Its historic architecture, quiet river views, and quaint shops feel like walking through a storybook.
The annual Bath Heritage Days, held around the Fourth of July, celebrates the town’s colonial roots with reenactments, live music, parades, craft fairs, and fireworks, while the rest of the year sees a small community events calendar packed with fun things to do – from history lectures to running clubs, there’s no shortage of community spirit here.
15. Saxapahaw
- Population: 1,501 (2023)
- Size: 5.52 sq mi (14.29 km2)
Last but certainly not least, the tiny riverside village of Saxapahaw is a former mill town turned into a cultural hot spot. The town, centered around the historic Rivermill, has been reinvented into a community-focused hub where arts, music, and breweries are celebrated.
Nestled along the Haw River, Saxapahaw blends small-town charm with a creative, artsy energy. Every summer, it hosts Saturdays in Saxapahaw at The Haw River Ballroom, where live music fills its rustic, restored music venue.
It also has an up-and-coming foodie scene, with Saxapahaw General Store and The Eddy Pub attracting people from far and wide to sample their farm-to-table menus, whilst weekly farmers’ markets keep the energy alive.
Whether you’re drawn to the town for live music or for local cuisine, Saxapahaw will leave a big impression.
Enjoy experiencing reimagined old mills? You will love to experience Rocky Mount Mills, located about an hour east of Raleigh.
